Antioxidants: Substances that prevent the formation of free radicals which cause the oxidative deterioration that causes rancidity in oils or fats and also premature ageing. Natural sources include vitamins A, C and E.

Aperient: laxative

Aqueous coating:a natural water and vegetable cellulose coating which can be used as a coating to enhance tablet disintegration and dissolution.

Ascorbic acid: The chemical name for vitamin c.

Astringents: Products that cause a tightening and contractions of the skin tissues, generally used to tone skin and close pores. Can also arrest heavy bleeding.

Avocado Oil: Has excellent penetrating qualities, softens and regenerates skin. This emollient is valued for its high lipid and Vitamin A, D and C components.

Ayurveda Medicine: System of sacred medicine originating from Ancient India, dating from 1000 to 3000BC.

Barrier cream: cream that provides a protective coating when applied to the skin eg. hands and face.

Beeswax: A natural emulsifier and thickener.

Beta Carotene: An abundant source of Vitamin A with rich anti-oxidant properties. It is necessary for tissue repair and maintenance and accelerates the formation of healthy new skin cells. Vitamin A deters excess dryness.

Bisobolol: main active ingredient in chamomile which has excellent skin healing properties.

Fatty Acid: A monobasic acid containing only the chemicals carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Found in vegetable and animal fats, they are important for maintaining a healthy skin and are excellent emollients.

Febrifuge: Anti-fever

Fixed Oil: A fixed oil is chemically the same as a fat, but is generally liquid ie. Almond oil, grapeseed oil.

Flavanoids: natural chemicals that prevent the deposit of fatty material in blood vessels.

Parabens (parahydroxybenzoic acid esters): a family of neutral, broad-spectrum antibacterials which have been used extensively for many years in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as mild preservatives and have not been tested on animals for a long time. They are found in nature, but the ones used in cosmetics are synthetically produced. They have a long history of relatively safe use. Like all synthetic components they are used minimally and only when necessary. Effective levels are 0.1 - 0.3% concentration in the overall product.

Peripheral: refers to the outermost parts of the body.

Poultice: poultices are packs of powders, dried or fresh herbs, enclosed in a muslin bag or wrapped in folds of a flannel or linen and soaked in boiling water, then applied to the affected area of the body.

Prostaglandins: hormone like messengers in the body responsible for the control of important body functions.

Proteinuria: presence of albumin in the urine.

Pruritus: itching.

Purgative: an agent that encourages evacuation of matter from the bowel.

Vasodilators: herbs that promote dilation of the blood vessels causing a reduction of blood pressure.

Vegetable cellulose: Substance derived from various plant fibres and used as a filler and disintegrant in the production of tablets.

Vermifuge: a substance that expels or destroys intestinal worms.

Vesicant: a blistering agent.

Vitamin A: Potent anti-oxidant, used in combination with vitamins E and C as a natural preservative. Necessary for tissue repair and maintenance and accelerates the formation of healthy new skin cells. It benefits the treatment of skin disorders and oxidant, used as a natural preservative. Anti-inflammatory properties, aids in healing.

Vitamin E: A powerful natural anti-oxidant, used in combination with vitamins A and C as a natural preservative. It slows signs of aging and the degeneration of skin cells.

Vulnerary: a plant whose external application has a cleansing and healing effect on open wounds, cuts and ulcers by promoting cell repair.